If local communities want to see rugby played in their towns then it is time for supporters to get behind clubs and put up their hands to help out.
It is AGM time for the four BRL clubs and to date things are not looking good. Killarney have had two shots at their AGM and each time failed to get a quorum and with 2017 president Aaron McKinney not seeking re-election the club is rudderless and in real trouble.
James Kelly a former president and vice-president is calling on supporters to get behind the popular Killarney. Kelly is prepared to again take on a committee role but cannot do it without help.
However, this problem is not unique to Killarney.
The Gremlins are also having trouble attracting a quorum and have also had a couple of attempts at holding their AGM.
David Ball the 2017 president is another not seeking re-election and the club is struggling to find people to support and carry on the traditions and work of the club.
It is believed that Inglewood also face similar issues while Tenterfield will be in trouble if their core supporters ever decide to walk away.
Seems like everyone loves to see footy played in their town, but don’t want to put their hands up to do the hard yards. While it might seem like a tough gig – and make no mistake, running football clubs or any sporting club can be a recipe for some heartache – it can be extremely rewarding.
It is time for some new faces to take on the challenge of keeping rugby league in our district afloat.
BRL chairman Norman Crisp says that if just one of the four teams fail to form the BRL cannot sustain a competition.
Each of the clubs has excellent facilities these days and while attracting players always seems to be a problem early in the season, attracting volunteers to run the clubs is looming as a far greater issue.
If you have a passion for local rugby league, don’t leave the job for the bloke next door or down the road. Put up your hand and get involved. Clubs don’t run themselves. Contact Norman Crisp for contact details of the BRL clubs.
– Casey

FLYING THE WORLD CUP FLAG
The Rugby League World Cup rolls on with no real surprises other than a few Scotsmen being sent home for over imbibing – the fact that one of them was the captain will not help their cause in coming games.
The Tongan and Samoan sides have added colour and spark to the competition and their pre-game rituals are enough to make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. PNG are also proving to be great entertainers.
Interesting that Jarryd Hayne has surpassed Billy Slater and Bob Fulton – a couple of superstars of the game – on the try scoring front. While no-one doubts Hayne has ability, his commitment to the game hardly stacks up against Slater and Fulton.
Not that commitment or loyalty mean a great deal any longer. The announcement this week that Penrith captain Matt Moylan is flying the coop and heading to Cronulla confirms the stories that circulated like Sharks in a feeding frenzy towards the end of last season.
It also appears the ink is set to dry on a deal that will see the Hayne plane making a landing back in the Eels pond after creating havoc at the Titans.
If the rumour mill is to be believed Neil Henry must be left with a very sour taste in his mouth while a number of Titans officials left with a large serving of egg on their faces.
In the meantime we have a few weeks of the World Cup to go before the finals. We are yet to see any major upsets – perhaps there is still a sting in the tail of some of the minnows of the game.
Meanwhile Sydney air traffic controllers have been alerted to keep an eye out for the landing of the Hayne plane.
BOOF AND JNR
All parents love to see their kids succeed in their chosen field, be it sport or a career, and sometimes they are one in the same. But for Australian cricket coach Darren Lehman the success of his son Jake in recent Shield games in the lead-up to the Ashes is both thrilling and a bit of a headache.
Lehman Jnr has surged into Test calculations for the much-sought-after number six spot after scoring 93 to go with his MCG first innings ton.
At a time when Australian cricket has been searching for a batsman to shine, this young bloke looks like someone turned on a neon sign.
Fortunately and correctly so, Lehman will not be called on to pass judgement on his son’s selection or otherwise. Cricket Australia has ratified a rule that Lehmann Snr would be forced to excuse himself from the selection table due to the potential conflict of interest.
Lehmann Snr has made it abundantly clear in the past when and if ever his son’s name came up in selection conversation he would not want to be part of thee conversation, and if Jake ever made it he’d be so nervous he’d abandon his coaching post and go straight to the bar.
Jokes aside, the prospect of Lehmann playing Test cricket has grown from a throwaway line to a serious proposition.
The position for a number six batsman and the keeper’s spots are certainly up for grabs and on the back of recent performances we might see a Baby Boof in the middle and Coach Boof at a bar somewhere in the bowels of the Gabba.
One thing for certain it is great to see the return to an old fashioned cricket shoot out during pre-Test Shield games to decided shaky Test spots.
BACK ON COURT
Stanthorpe Mallet players returned to the court last week after a break of several weeks while the court was out of action.
The Association Croquet group were the first to try out the court after the maintenance work. Pat Schnoor partnered newcomer Peter Tunbridge in a game against Jenny Tunbridge.
Effey Russell and Val Shepherd played Joy Newman and Val Richardson. Newman played very well in the second half setting up a 24-19 win for she and her partner. Margaret Dickenson and Grace Howard teamed taking on Andrea Denkewitz in a close fought game in which Andrea eventually secured a 16-14 victory.
The Gateball players were also keen to get back on track on Friday. Andrea Denkewitz, Joy Newman, Bill Golding and Grace Howard formed Team One to play Margaret Dickenson, Jenny Tunbridge, Les Williams and Val Fancourt, Team Two, with three of the four games decided. In the first game Les Williams and Joy Newman both played well as Team One opened the day with a 12-9 win. It was to be their only victory. The second game went the way of their opponents. Once again it was Les Williams making the good shots as Team Two secured a 14-9 win.
After the break, the teams were reduced to three a side. Both of the final games were close affairs but with some excellent play from both Margaret Dickenson and Jenny Tunbridge Team Two secured wins. The final scores in these games 11-9 and 13-9.
SPORTERS COME OUT TO PLAY
Sporters were out on the course in good numbers last Sunday after a week off due to the Stanthorpe Golf Club Open. Matt Waterworth continued his good form to pick up a Sunday win ahead of runner-up Ian Anderson. Waterworth added the best gross and the pro pin to his tally. John Walsh and Paul Armstrong both figured in the rundowns while Aaron Simmers picked up the pin shot on the third with a nice shot. Owen McPaul and Mark Lynam each went home with a meat tray tucked under their wing.
A reminder to all Sporters that as of Sunday tee off will revert to the earlier time of 7.30am-8am in line with the onset of the warmer weather (probably a cue for another cold snap).
As we hurtle through November it is time to start thinking about Christmas parties (uuugh) and Sporters are reminded that 10 December is the Sporters Christmas party. So mark your diaries and keep the day free for a liquid and barbecue brekkie, game of golf and barbecue lunch. Organisers will be chasing you shortly for numbers.
SOUTHS TAKE AN EARLY LEAD
At the end of round one of the Stanthorpe cricket season, Souths look to be the in-form team and scored another comprehensive victory on Saturday.
Three games were decided last weekend with a catch-up game between Wanderers and RSL played on Friday night under lights at C.F. White Oval.
Wanderers had first use of the wicket but could only manage 98 runs before they were dismissed in the 34th over. RSL took the opportunity to use several bowlers. Anthony Di Bella continued his good form with the ball and after a stellar performance last weekend claimed another three wickets. Will Dowie also caused the batsmen plenty of headaches and claimed three wickets also.
Chasing the small target never looked an issue for RSL who lost only one wickets on their way to a comprehensive win. Jason Lawer (30) and Spencer Jensen (28) guided RSL home in just the 19th over.
On Saturday South’s played Valleys on Sheehan Oval while Wanderers played Tenterfield on the C.F. White Turf.
On paper there did not look to be much between Souths and Valleys. Both sides have been showing good early form this season.
It was Souths who grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck from the outset and thrashed Valleys by 168 runs.
Captain Ben Staley (76 retired) and Jordan Lanza (81) set up the win with a blazing innings. At the end of the 40 overs Souths had set their opponents a formidable 241 run target as their batsmen took apart the normally tight Valley’s bowling attack. Souths lost only four wickets in the innings. The Valley’s bowling figures were not pretty and the addition of 31 wides was not helpful.
There were no highlights on the Valley’s batting card either.
It was a forgettable performance all round for the Valley’s players as they were dismissed for just 73 runs.
Youngster Alex Cameron dismantled the Valley’s line-up taking five wickets for just 11 runs. His performance just one of the highlights of a great win for Souths.
Wanderers were hopeful of securing their first win of the season when they met Tenterfield on the C.F. White Oval but they will have to wait for that elusive win after a solid performance from Tenterfield who scampered home by 15 runs to grab the points.
Wanderers had Tenterfield dismissed for 163 runs in the 29th over and gave themselves a real shot at a win.
Four Tenterfield players (Merchant, Koch, Murphy and Swan) managed scores better than 20 but all failed to go on to bigger things. Brock Patti was the pick of the Wanderers bowlers taking 3/32 while Weyland Aldridge chimed in with 2/29.
In reply it was Mitch Drayton who was the back bone of thee Wanderers innings with a score of 68 and although the Wanderers tail wagged a little late in the game the loss of early wickets proved costly.
In a good sign for the future of Stanthorpe cricket, the best performances so far this season have come from players who are under 20 with quite a few still under 15.
At the conclusion of the first round Souths sit at the top of the table followed by RSL, Valleys, Tenterfield and Wanderers.
MAX DOING THE HUNTING
A good field set out to contest the single stableford competition at the Stanthorpe Golf Club last weekend. The game was sponsored by popular local golfer Max Hunter and he certainly rose to the occasion. Max was far from the hunted, he returned the best score of the day (43 points) and collected the balls for the pin shot at 17 and the pro-pin at 1/10.
When Keith Jones, Kev Rowlings and Keith Allen all returned scores of 42 points, a countback was required to sort out the runners-up. Keith Jones got the nod as first runner-up. Kev Rowlings secured second runner-up and Keith Allen was left to settle for a ball in the rundowns.
Aaron Simmers carded a birdie at three and not surprisingly won the pin shot at that hole. Matt Waterworth picked up the pin shot at 12 and also held the pro-pin at 5/14.
Luke Reardon rarely misses out on taking balls away and collected the pro-pin at 9/18 and the birdies nest at the second. Ian Pickering had a round finishing with a score of 41 to feature in the run down.
A countback was required to determine the ladies’ winner with Nikki Waterworth and Neta Thouard back in the clubhouse with a score of 37 points. Nikki Waterworth was declared the winner while Neta Thouard took the runner-up prize. Racheal Hendry didn’t have her bet round but managed to win the ladies’ pin at three. There were no takers for the pin at 12 but a good shot at 17 from the eventual winner Nikki Waterworth gave her the ladies’ approach shot.
There is only one more round to complete the 2017 ’Golfer of the Year’ event; the monthly medal to be played in two weeks.
Leading scores in this year-long competition are quite close and the final positions can be influenced by how well some members play in this last single competition.
Winners in both the men’s and ladies sections will be announced at the club’s Christmas party and awards night which will be held following play on Saturday 25 November.
For the purpose of catering there is a sheet on the noticeboard for those planning on attending.
A number of senior Stanthorpe players (Vets) are playing in the Darling Downs Vets mixed foursomes championships at City Golf Club next Monday. Good luck to those players and hopefully we will see some familiar names figuring in the results.
On Saturday the Pierce family is sponsoring the Peirce Trophy, a mixed 4BBB stableford event. The club is hoping to see plenty of mixed teams registering for the event. For those players not paired in the mixed event, a 4BBB stableford will be played.
There is a timesheet for the event on the board with tee off from 11.30am.
LOOKING FOR A WINNER
Must be an election around the corner. As I put the finishing touches on Spin this week on Melbourne Cup morning it is interesting to hear that the Premier has announced a carrot for the Racing Industry in the run-up to the upcoming State election. There is the promise of big bucks for racing across Queensland – $70 million in fact over four years.
The Premier says her government has “listened to feedback from country racing stakeholders and industry participants”. Perhaps if there had been some listening in the past Queensland Racing would not be lagging so far behind the southern states like a very poor relative.
The proposal would deliver increased certainty for 108 non-TAB racing clubs and the industry’s 16,700 participants in regional Queensland. Even provide a little more certainty for those in regional areas who rely on the industry for employment.
It seems in this election climate the government has finally realised the benefits of race days to small local communities on both a financial and social front.
The cash injection over four years includes prize money and support for clubs. It would also include jockey riding fees, superannuation and Workcover expenses, and club meeting payments. All be music to the ears of those involved in small race clubs.
the spread of the funding proposal looks like this:-
* North Queensland $5.9million.
* Central West Queensland, $7.9 million.
* Far North Queensland, $7 million.
* North West Queensland, $9.4 million.
* Wide Bay and South East Queensland, $7.9 million.
* Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, $13.4 million.
* Central Queensland $8.4 million.
Also included is an additional $10 million for racing club infrastructure across the state as assessed on a needs basis by Racing Queensland. That’s a pretty big carrot in anyone language but is it good form good enough to make Anastasia favorite, only time will tell.
MARYVALE, REDBACKS AND COLTS WINNERS
Round four of the Warwick cricket season saw some big wins and an unfortunate forfeit.
The game between Redbacks and Sovereign Animals was moved from Queens Park to Slade Oval after Inglewood forfeited to Wheatvale.
Redbacks took full advantage of the move to the turf wicket and with first use of the wicket amassed a huge total of 308 losing only six wickets along the way.
Two of the Redbacks’ batsmen scored half centuries. Coen Slatter (57) and Kerin Politch (55) took to the bowling attack. Redbacks captain Tyhe Clarkson was also hitting the ball sweetly as he scored a slashing 44. Dave Drewery showed all of his experience posting a score of 45.
Chasing such a big score always looked a bridge too far for Sovereign Animals and they were all out for 131.
Tony Munro (28) and captain Cahal Davis ( 27) were the best of the batsmen. Redbacks bowlers Morgan Gilchrist and Jimmy Underwood both claimed two wickets in their bowling spells but it was the performance of the batsmen that secured a big win for the team.
Warwick Hotel Colts and Railway Hotel Rascals also played on Saturday in Allora.
In a low scoring game Rascals had Colts dismissed for just 92 and looked in with a good chance of getting the points in the game.
Jacob Gross scored a half-century but his 54 was not enough as wickets tumbled under the Rascals bowling attack. Jake Christensen had thee batsmen in a spin finishing with impressive figures taking five wickets for 24 while the medium pace of Joe Morris yielded four wickets for 25 runs.
The game was certainly there to be won by Rascals but they capitulated to be all out for 72. Paul Christensen the only batsman to show resistance scored 29. Jacob Gross was the major destroyer for Colts. He followed up a good performance with the bat to take 3/15 from seven overs.
On Sunday the cricket action returned to Slade where Maryvale Condamine played Allora.
In a good all round team performance it was Maryvale that nailed the points scoring a 172-run win in what turned out to be a one-sided game.
Mitch Darton played his first full game since returning to the Maryvale side and although regarded as a bowler top scored with 37.
The Maryvale bowling attack proved too strong for their opponents and the game was over with Allora dismissed for just 40 runs.